The Hand Bringer by Christopher J. Penington,
In [i]The Hand Bringer[/i] by Christopher J. Penington, ASA sends a team of four into the fifteenth century. Led by Peter Hadrian, the team finesses its way through the medieval age in a manner full of riveting twists and turns.
I like how Penington has employed the art of humor throughout the entire storyline. For instance, when Kolemi’s bowels give in on him, Peter jokingly asks Luke, “It doesn’t smell much like victory, does it?” This kind of funny stunts serve to provide the reader with the much needed comic relief. It also boosts the reader’s attention since no one enjoys reading a boring book.
The author’s creativity is amazing. He has authored the book in such a way that the reader is left deeply engrossed in the storyline. The various events induce some kind of virtual reality in the reader’s mind. To some extent, I became emotionally attached to the storyline. I felt the love, fear, romance and the bravery of the knights as if it were my own experience.
The sayings, ‘One good turn deserves another’ and ‘Good deeds never go unrewarded’ have come out clear. During Peter’s first battle with the Turks, he saved the life of a Turk knight by the name Musa Hussad. Musa later saved Peter from Dracula’s men when they sought to kill him in the battlefield. This serves as a clarion call to the reader, that they should always strive to do great deeds to others.
The book was not well edited. There are a few instances of grammatical errors and typos. The editing team ought to have been a bit more diligent in their work since no one finds pride in reading a book with flaws.
The use of profane words is also on a very high level. This would be a great turn-off especially for readers with a high regard for moral values. The profanity also makes the book an unsafe read for the young readers, parental restriction and guidance is therefore advised.
The real meaning behind the book’s title was also not covered enough. Peter is only vaguely associated with that title but the author fails to fully elaborate its significance.
I rate the book [b]3 out of 4 stars[/b]. It is a very engrossing and captivating read that prompts the reader to read it at a single sitting. I recommend the book to lovers of fiction, history, science and romance.